The Daily Dirt, August 31: Money for Nothing

With MLS on a different calendar than most of the European leagues, the summer transfer window is not as big of a deal here. The rumors flying around Europe right now about who will end up where are fascinating, we’ll see how everything shakes out at the end of the day.

Is MLS missing out? It would be hard to say no. We have seen MLS clubs turn down selling players in this window in the past. Taylor Twellman is a prime example when Preston North End was after him, but the New England Revolution would not let him go in mid-season. Dallas, probably reluctantly, sold Fabian Castillo this summer and are sorting out how to replace him in the lineup. It’s a tough time for MLS clubs to sell top players as they head into the playoff stretch run.

MLS is looking to make its biggest moves in the winter window, its offseason, which does not see the same level of business around the world. European clubs are reluctant to sell key players in the winter for many of the same reasons MLS clubs are hesitant to sell players in the summer. Generally, players who are on the outs at their current club are the ones who move in January.

The only fix to this mentality would be to change the MLS calendar, which opens up a completely different can of worms. I’m not sure if the complications resulting from that change are worth the increased transfer business just yet. It’s more feasible now than ever before, but it would not be an easy switch. A winter break, similar to Germany, would likely be needed due to our weather challenges in many cities. It’s possible, but it would be quite a transition.

As MLS is growing, I think everything should be on the table to continue that growth. It might not be time for a drastic change like this now, but that doesn’t mean it will never happen.

Let us know what you think about the transfer window where it relates to MLS and the schedule.

Domestic

Gyasi Zardes’ broken foot will end his 2016 season (LAG Confidential)

Sporting Kansas City disputed Philadelphia’s Homegrown Player claim last year on Keegan Rosenberry (Brotherly Game)

Dominic Kinnear “completely surprised” by John Doyle’s firing in San Jose (MLS)

Former FC Dallas academy star Weston McKinnie signs with Schalke in Germany (Stars and Stripes FC)

Christian Ramirez has been a standout for Minnesota in the NASL this season, will he join them in MLS next season? (SBI Soccer)

A fun look at the best #10’s in MLS (FourFourTwo)

International

Follow the Deadline Day deals as they happen (SB Nation)

A look at what each Premier League club needs on the final day of the transfer window (SB Nation)

Why did Canada leave Will Johnson out of their national team roster? (Sportsnet)

Interesting look at the business side of the Premier League and struggles that may be on the horizon (New York Times)

Bastian Schweinsteiger reportedly turned down a move to Portugal (Abola)

Local

Mercer upset #24 South Carolina in men’s college soccer last night (WGXA)

Georgia State’s women’s team drew 0-0 with Jacksonville State last night.

A recap of the first round of roster cuts by the Falcons (The Falcoholic)

Tim Tebow in an Atlanta Braves uniform? (Talking Chop)

Bold predictions for Georgia Tech’s 2016 season (From the Rumble Seat)

The running backs will be key for Georgia and North Carolina on Saturday (Dawg Sports)